Whats the word on a Yamaha FZ6R

[nvelaski]

So I'm totally new to riding and think I want something like a sport bike but with a less agressive riding posture. I went to Eastbay Motor sports tonight and sat on a Yahama FZ6R... I liked it but have no idea if its a good beginners bike for a girl... and if its worth buying new for $7500... any feedback would be great... both about Eastbay Motor Sports (are they good peps) & the bike (good one? move on?? or suggestions for types to look at).

Thanks !

 

[jrace]

What streetbike riding experience do you have?

-jim

 

[nvelaski]

None... I rode a Ninja 250 for like an hour two weekend ago after I got my license.

 

[Yakoo752]

I feel for you here....

in reality get whatever you feel comfortable getting and be prepared to hear everyone tell you... .YOU SHOULD OF GOT A NINJETTE 250

but in reality get something used... odds are you will put it on the ground in the first 6 months

 

[Ant]

Nice bike. Plenty of power and will get you into trouble *if you want it to* but very manageable if you use common sense and tons of fun to ride.

 

[Abunai]

I'm not sure about the fz6r but i'm always looking to go back on riding the ninja 250. Out of all the bikes I had the ninja 250 was the easiest one to ride, share, abuse, travel, etc. Although the seatting of the ninja 250 scored the lease. For starters, definitely start on a bike that you can easily balance with your legs, you wanted to feel like you're in control of the bike and not the other way around.

 

[Karbon]

Its definitely a cool looking bike and comfortable to boot. Especially with the adjustable seat height. I think in the end you going to do what your heart tells you to do. But for the most part i would say most people here will say get a small, used bike and build your chops. That is to say ride a whole lot.

good luck.

 

[sixtytwo]

Yamaha is selling the fz6r as a starter bike. However, I really don't see why. Like they say on their site, it's torquey and it's got bodywork like the r6. Neither of those are things a beginner should look for. The torque and power will get you into trouble if you're not good with the throttle, and the bodywork will scuff and break when you drop it.

I would recommend a 250 or 500 cc parallel twin over the fz6r. The gs500 is always a good choice for a first bike.

 

[sifr]

I'd hit it.

 

[Audacious Nick]

SV650

 

[Sidewalk]

Yamaha is selling the fz6r as a starter bike. However, I really don't see why. Like they say on their site, it's torquey and it's got bodywork like the r6. Neither of those are things a beginner should look for. The torque and power will get you into trouble if you're not good with the throttle, and the bodywork will scuff and break when you drop it.

I would recommend a 250 or 500 cc parallel twin over the fz6r. The gs500 is always a good choice for a first bike.

+1

 

[Ant]

Yamaha is selling the fz6r as a starter bike. However, I really don't see why. Like they say on their site, it's torquey and it's got bodywork like the r6. Neither of those are things a beginner should look for. The torque and power will get you into trouble if you're not good with the throttle, and the bodywork will scuff and break when you drop it.

I would recommend a 250 or 500 cc parallel twin over the fz6r. The gs500 is always a good choice for a first bike.

The FZ6R is in a sense a tamer HP wise FZ6 with plastics but still has sit-up ergonomics.

 

[Roadstergal]

Get something used and inexpensive. GS500 and EX500 are good starters.

The FZ6 is a cheap bike, not an inexpensive one.

 

[Dug]

I'd say ride that 250 you'll learn a whole lot about clutch control, down and up shifting smoothly without the worries of "getting into trouble". If you want a little more then get a GS500 or Kawi 500. In about 1-2 years of riding then go get that bike of your dreams as you'll have enough experience and confidence to at least drive it home from the dealers lot yourself.

Edit: I've being day dreaming about a Street Triple R lately but I know I will need some more saddle time before even thinking about getting one.

 

[nvelaski]

I felt like the 250 was too small/ light... I want a bike I will be able to ride for a couple years before I get the itch to move up... please keep posting suggestions... comments... feedback. (What about the guys at Eastbay Motor Sports???) THANKS!

 

[Roadstergal]

I want a bike I will be able to ride for a couple years before I get the itch to move up

How do you know you'll move up instead of sideways? Do you know which way is up? Maybe you'll decide you want to do track, maybe you'll want to do dirt, maybe dualsporting is for you, maybe you'll want to tour; you won't know what kind of rider you are until you have some miles under your belt. That, as well as the higher chance of dropping it when you're starting, is why we're all suggesting a cheaper used bike. You're learning how to ride, and also learning what kind of rider you are.

(What about the guys at Eastbay Motor Soprts???)

Do a search and you'll see how much we love them here.

 

[Psyclotron]

Light is _good_. More fun, better fuel economy, more maneuverable, easier to pick up. Smaller cc'd bikes are the way to start on, for one they have good resale value if and when you outgrow it, and they force you to learn good technique rather than getting lazy with too much power on tap before you have basic skills.

I started on a 250 and after a while thought that I "regretted" it, instead of a 600ish thing, but for my second bike I got something completely different that I NEVER would've bought for a first bike (Multistrada).

Ironically having a big powerful bike has made me glad to have a small, simple, fun bike (250r) still around for misc. use.

 

[sixtytwo]

I felt like the 250 was too small/ light... I want a bike I will be able to ride for a couple years before I get the itch to move up... please keep posting suggestions... comments... feedback. (What about the guys at Eastbay Motor Sports???) THANKS!

I say gs500. I think that really is the "do-it-all" bike. It's cheap, easy to maintain, it has enough power while still being manageable, and it holds its own on the freeway.

Oh yeah and consider buying it from a private party. Dealers usually charge an arm and a leg for a used bike.

 

[gixxerboy55]

How do you know you'll move up instead of sideways? Do you know which way is up? Maybe you'll decide you want to do track, maybe you'll want to do dirt, maybe dualsporting is for you, maybe you'll want to tour; you won't know what kind of rider you are until you have some miles under your belt. That, as well as the higher chance of dropping it when you're starting, is why we're all suggesting a cheaper used bike. You're learning how to ride, and also learning what kind of rider you are.




Do a search and you'll see how much we love them here.

Some great posts here, and a 250 is NOT too small.

 

[Jasepaste]

I felt like the 250 was too small/ light...

I'm 5'10" tall guy weighing in at 165lbs, and to be honest, I loved how small and light my '04 250 was. Yea, it's not an attractive bike by any means, but it grew on me, and I never had to worry about scratching/dropping it because it was used and I paid $2100 out of pocket for it (and was planning on selling it for 200 less before someone crashed into me,totaling it.)

I rode that thing like a racebike hitting close to redline all the time to get the power out of it. I never had to baby it. It was reliable and I can't say enough about it. PLUS THE NEW 250 IS HOT.

I want a bike I will be able to ride for a couple years before I get the itch to move up...

I can agree with this. If you don't plan on buying another bike for a while, then you should get something you think is sexy.

Personally, I bought a used & well maintained respected starter motorcycle in the EX250 with the option to sell it for 80% of the value at any given time.

+150lbs & +615cc's later, my old EX250 still brings a smile to my face.

The End